Nancy Hastings: August means preparation, immunizations

Wednesday

Aug 22, 2012 at 12:01 AMAug 22, 2012 at 10:17 PM

And there are other organizations, such as the ELMA Foundation, which are improving the lives of children in Africa through sustainable efforts to relieve poverty, advance education and promote health.

Nancy Hastings

The final weeks of August bring great weather, days at the beach and last picnics and barbecues before there’s a chill in the air. And then there’s getting ready for school.

I know, I just had to bring that up. Though it may not be on the minds of youngsters yet, getting ready for school is a big part of why August is Immunization Awareness Month. So, it doesn’t hurt to get a quick reminder to make sure kids are up on their immunizations.

It’s been decades since smallpox, measles, mumps, whooping cough and other diseases took a horrible toll; so long ago that we take it for granted that our kids will be just fine.

The Center for Disease Control says immunization is crucial. Not just for enrolling in school -- with school districts around the country needing proof of inoculation in order for a child to attend school -- but in keeping these diseases from regaining a foothold in our population.

Noted as one of the most significant health achievements of the 20th century, the creation of vaccines that are effective against childhood diseases changed the world. Although it may be hard to believe, the battle is not fully over -- in fact, some of these diseases, like whooping cough, are again on the rise.

In her Making a Difference blog, Lisa Dietlin outlines several organizations dedicated to wiping out disease.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has committed more than $50 million to buy vaccines for such diseases as whooping cough, pneumonia, diphtheria, tetanus and hepatitis B and to combat polio and other diseases in developing countries.

One of their goals is the eradication of polio from the world, noting that there has been a 99 percent reduction in cases since a World Health Organization global initiative started in 1988, but polio still remains endemic in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Nigeria. You can learn about the amazing work of the Gates Foundation in global vaccination.

Additionally, the World Health Organization is working to protect everyone from vaccine-preventable diseases - both current and newly-emerging diseases. Their efforts in research and development; vaccine quality, supply and financing; and immunization strengthening is the centerpiece of creating global standards, and opportunities, to address continued and significant threats to public health. Their work continues to make our world, and our families, safer in ways that we don’t often think about, but are worth considering.

The United Nations Foundation has launched a grassroots movement in our country called Shot@Life that is expanding access to lifesaving vaccines for children in developing countries. Shot@Life is empowering Americans to champion vaccines as one of the most cost-effective ways to save children’s lives around the world.
Rotary International does tremendous work in its battle to rid the world of polio. They enrolled 2012 Olympic athletes in their “This Case” campaign to raise awareness and gain support.

And there are other organizations, such as the ELMA Foundation, which are improving the lives of children in Africa through sustainable efforts to relieve poverty, advance education and promote health.

As with many things, our efforts can begin right at home, by making sure everyone in the family, especially children and older adults are vaccinated. For a schedule of what vaccinations are needed and other information, check with the Center for Disease Control, because being prepared could be key to having something to look forward to the next season.

Nancy Hastings is a staff writer for the Hillsdale Daily News. Her column appears each Tuesday. She can be reached at nancy.hastings@hillsdale.net.